Shoe-protector device



March 31. 1925.

G. RI MENA SHOE PROTECTOR DEVICE Filed m 6, 1 241 INVENTOR 5 ammo 52. mm

BY ATIQDRNEY Patented Mar. 31, 1925.

UNITED STATES GENARO R. MENA, 0F DELTA, UTAH.

SHOE-PROTECTOR DEVICE.

Application filed May 6,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GENARO R. MENA, citizen of Mexico, residing at Delta, in the county of Millard and State of Utah, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Shoe-Protector Devices, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to spades, shovels or the like, being designed more particularly for application to implements of this type which are intended for use in digging in ground which is comparatively firm, the invention having for an object the provision of a noval and simple attachment for such implements whereby the insertion of the implement in the ground will be facilitated.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawing, and to the appended claims in which the various noval features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

Fig. 1 of the drawing is a face view of a shovel having my improved attachment applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary face view with the attachment shown in vertical section.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2.

Referring now to the drawing, the reference numeral 10 indicates the blade of an ordinary shovel and 11 the handle thereof. \Vhcn inserting an implement of this nature in hard ground, or hard material generally, it is customary for the user to press on the top edge of the blade with his foot, with the result of cutting the sole of his shoe, and further the bearing of the sharp edge against the shoe prevents the full weight being applied in the downward pressure. To obviate these disadvantages I have provided a novel device which is applied to the top edge of the blade and against which the shoe bears.

This device comprises a clip adapted to be placed over the top of the blade and which may be formed from a heavy metal strip or may be in the form of a casting. This clip comprises a rounded intermediate element 12 which passes over the top of the blade, and a pair of plate-like extensions 18 which fit against opposite faces of the blade. The clip is preferably mounted in 1924. Serial No. 711,350.

position on the blade to have a limited vertical movement thereof, and to this end a pair of short vertical slots 15 are formed in the blade through which pass the rivets 16 which are secured at their ends in the respective members 13. The clip is normally held in raised position by means of a bow spring 18 which bears upwardly between its ends against the member 12, and which is provided at each end with a pair of depending ears 19, which straddle the blade. A shallow recess 20 of slightly greater length than the spring 18, is formed in the top edge of the blade and receives the said spring. The clip is of greater width than the length of the recess 20 so that the ends of the top element 12 of the clip bear on the top edge of theblade when the clip is moved downward. The rounded top part of the clip prevents cutting of the sole of the shoe and the vertically movable arrangement of the clip permits of a sharp blow being struck on the top of the blade with the foot to cause the blade to penetrate the ground.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows 1. In an implement of the type described, a blade, a clip mounted on the top of said blade and having plate-like extensions engaging over opposite faces of the blade, said blade being formed with a pair of short vertical slots, rivets secured in the said extensions and passing freely through said slot, and a spring urging the clip upward.

2. In an implement of the type described, a blade, a clip mounted on the top of said blade and having plate-like extensions engaging over opposite faces of the blade, said blade being formed with a pair of short ver tical slots, rivets secured in the said extensions and passing freely through said slot, and a spring urging the clip upward, said spring being of bow-form and having a pair of ears on each end overlapping the said blade, said blade having a shallow recess in. the top thereof to receive the said spring, the said clip being of a width greater than the length of said recess.

In testimony whereof I have aflixed my signature.

GENARO R. MENA. 

